We are the 99%

Occupy Edmonton is concerned about how corporate interests are
infecting our political institutions, dictating public policy and
decimating the environment. We are also concerned about a system that puts the hunger for profits above the health and well being of all our communities.

Thomas is one of many people who have been busy making signs this week for Occupy Edmonton, slated for noon on Saturday at Churchill Square.

The occupation of Wall Street began on Sept. 17, and has spread to more than 200 cities worldwide.
“It seems to me this is a new kind of activism to participate in and I just want to support it,” Thomas said.

The movement is classified as a leaderless resistance campaign. The website occupywallstreet.org states: “We are the 99 per cent that will no longer tolerate the greed and corruption of the one per cent.”

The state of the economy, social inequality and corporate greed have been named as driving forces, though “everyone is protesting with their own message,” said Thomas, an electrician who has been out of work for about a year. “I’m not getting any kind of bailout or assistance,” he said.

Occupy Calgary has set up camp in a park, with city approval. Thomas said it is yet to be determined if a campout will be held in Edmonton.